Stress Management

Managing Stress

Stress is an inherent part of lifeIn fact, any sort of exertion can be considered stress. But, as Duquesne students have observed, stress is not inherently good or bad. In the right amount, it can be helpful in pushing you to accomplish what needs to get done. However, too much stress that is not handled the right way can become debilitating in various degrees. Some suggestions by Duquesne students for managing stress include:

Understanding your motivations to workKeeping track of long and short term goals when accomplishing tasks at school and at work helps keep you connected to the purpose of the work and how this investment may pay off in the future

Balancing the different types of work in your lifeThese can include academics, extracurricular activities, jobs, personal practices/rituals, relationships (both intimate and platonic), and family life. Prioritize these types of work, and find ways to stay motivated and not resist the work that is yours to do.

Take effective breaksGetting lost on the internet for four hours might be just the right thing for you sometimes, but probably not all the time. Try different ways of taking breaks and see which work best for you. Is it a five minute mental break every hour? Is it a 20 minute nap in the afternoon? Is it waiting to take a full day off on the weekend? Perhaps a mix of the above? Whatever it is, find your "break style" and stick to it!

Exercise!Physical activity has been found to be a powerful combatant to anxiety, depression, and especially stress. It increases mood, self-esteem, relaxation, and good sleep, while decreasing muscle tension, inflammation, and immune system malfunction. Finding an activity that you enjoy doing can become a regular stress-release practice.